§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the timetable with regard to the final decision being made about the future of the Royal Liverpool children's hospital, Myrtle Street.
§ Dr. VaughanI am conscious of my hon. Friend's concern about the proposals made by the Liverpool area health authority (teaching) to close the Myrtle Street branch of the Royal Liverpool children's hospital at the end of the decade. A working party established by the Mersey regional health authority is currently studying the future needs of Liverpool for paediatric services and how they might be met. I shall study its report and other relevant information very carefully before making a decision. I do not expect this to be before the spring.